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Chelsea Ladies in Kirby deal

The 22-year-old, currently on the books with Women’s Super League second division side Reading, has impressed as England reached the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup in Canada.

Kirby scored in the win over Mexico as England finished second in Group F, but they were beaten at the death in their sixth game by Laura Bassett’s stoppage-time own goal against Japan.

Kirby has nine caps in total so far for England, scoring three goals, having become the first WSL2 player to be called up to the England senior side, and has been given the nickname “mini Messi” by boss Mark Sampson.

She joined her hometown club Reading at the age of seven and worked her way through the youth teams before making her debut for the first-team at the age of 16.

After a spell away from the game, Kirby returned to the club in 2012 and went on to become the FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division’s top-scorer for the 2012-13 season, with 32 goals in 21 appearances.

She has also represented England at U23 level four times, scoring once.